Facing the Unexpected. Beth Seversen Dobbs, Ferry, NY

Transcription

1 CHANGE Facing the Unexpected Beth Seversen 8 Discussions for Group Bible Study Neighborhood Bible Studies Publishers Neighborhood 56 Main Street Bible Studies Publishers 56 P.O. Main Dobbs Box Street Ferry, 222 NY Dobbs Main Ferry, Street NY nbstudies@aol.com Dobbs, Ferry, NY nbstudies@aol.com nbstudies@aol.com

2 Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION7. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from Neighborhood Bible Studies, P.O. Box Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, New York, Copyright 2004 by Beth Seversen ISBN First Printing, 2004 Printed in the United States of America Cover Photo by Mark Seversen

3 CONTENTS How to Use this Study Guide 6 Introduction 9 Discussion 1 Exodus 23:20-33 FACING CHANGE GOD S PROVISION 11 Discussion 2 1 Kings 19 A CURE FOR ISOLATION GOD S PRESENCE 16 Discussion 3 Genesis 45 A COMFORT FOR LOSS GOD S SOVEREIGNTY 22 Discussion 4 Psalm 18 A REMEDY WHEN YOU ARE OVERWHELMED GOD S STRENGTH 26 Discussion 5 Ruth 2 A SOLACE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT GOD S LOVING-KINDNESS 31 Discussion 6 Jeremiah 29 THE REALITY IN THE MIDST OF DISRUPTION GOD S PLAN 36 Discussion 7 1 Peter 5:1-11 A ROUTE OUT OF TEMPTATION GOD S FAITHFULNESS 41 Discussion 8 Ezra 3 A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION GOD S BLESSING 46 What Should Our Group Study Next? 51

4 INTRODUCTION My husband and I are in amazed at the number of for sale signs in our community. Currently our county has the highest unemployment rate per capita in the nation. Everyone knows someone out of work. Personally we have never known so many people affected by job instability as at the present time. And it is not just the economy. We are in a season of life where so much seems to be changing. Parents are aging, and with that come difficult decisions and often complications. Death of parents and in-laws brings the end of an era in our lives. Our health is fluctuating. Adult children marry or relocate to the other side of the nation. War separates us from family and loved ones. Times are uncertain and unsettling. We experience disruption, fear, grief, isolation, insecurity, loneliness, loss, temptation and weariness. How do we face the unexpected? I think the answer lies in seeking to know the Lord God better. The Scriptures reveal how God dealt with men and women who faced many of the things we do. By examining their abandonment to God in dependence and faith we are more equipped to face adversity, surprise, and upheaval. As I studied the many facets of God s character in preparing this discussion series, I have been reminded of why I love and worship the Lord. I witnessed him restore Joseph to his family and the Israelites to their homeland. I watched him rescue David from the treacherous hands of Saul and his armies. I saw him renew Elijah s strength, and call him to continued service. I observed God revive the hearts of the deportees in Babylon and bring them back to restore his worship in Jerusalem. 9 / CHANGE

5 God cared for the concerns of his people. God cares about us today. He has our well being in mind. He will provide for the present, and he has a plan for our future. As God worked through the events of history, he will work through the events of our lives to fulfill his purposes. As you seek to know God more intimately, may you taste and see that the Lord is good. 10 / CHANGE

6 DISCUSSION 1 Facing Change God s Provision EXODUS 23:20-33 The director of an Irish mission is planning to retire in four years. He is already praying for his replacement. The mission would like to identify this individual within the next year so that he or she might be adequately mentored for the position. Why so soon? A smooth transition would benefit both parties and prevent the work of the ministry from being hindered. When change enters our lives, we often times feel insecure, even inadequate. 1. Recall a major change in your life. How did God prepare you? How did he provide for you in the change? READ EXODUS 23: Note: Through God s intervention the Israelites have escaped from slavery in Egypt and are camped near Mt. Sinai near the desert of Mt. Sinai. 11 / FACING CHANGE GOD S PROVISION

7 2. What do you learn about the setting for this episode in Israel s history from Exodus 19:1-6? 3. List all that God will do according to Exodus 23: What do you learn about God from this narrative? What are God s specific instructions to the Israelites and his expectations (verses 20-33)? 4. How does God prepare Israel for the next part of his plan for them? 5. What will God do through his angel (verses 20 23)? 6. Name the nations listed in Exodus 23:23. What do you learn about their beliefs and practices from verse 24? 7. What does God promise to do for his people (verse 31)? 12 / CHANGE

8 8. Locate the land God promises to give Israel on a map of the lands of the Bible. Note: The Sea of the Philistines refers to the Mediterranean Sea and the River is the Euphrates River. The desert is the Desert of Sinai. 9. What is the source of tension in this passage? What would compromise the success of God s plan for acquiring the land? 10. Outline the sequence of events promised by God in verses 20, 23, 25, 26, Note: Exodus 23 is part of a large body of instructions the Lord gives to Moses to pass on to Israelites. See Exodus 20:1, 22; 24: Why doesn t God act to accomplish his intentions all at once? 12. Reread this story, and identify the cause and effect relationships. 13. What is God s purpose here, and what are his plans? 13 / FACING CHANGE GOD S PROVISION

9 How will they be accomplished? To achieve success, to what rules and schedule must Israel adhere? REFLECTION/SUMMARY 1. When facing a change, adversity or an enemy, why is it important to follow God s guidelines for life? 2. Imagine yourself as one of the Israelites hearing the message of this passage. How would you have responded? How do you respond to God s commands and promises today? CONCLUSION It is a comfort to know that God had an extensive plan in mind for Israel, and a specific sequential order by which his design was to be fulfilled. God wants to fulfill his purposes in our lives today. His plans are orderly, specific, personal and intentional. Just as he intended to bless the Israelites, so he intends to bless us, his children. When we obey his word and follow his instructions, we will enjoy his favor and blessing on our lives. 14 / CHANGE

10 PRAYER Lord, my God, please go ahead of me and prepare my way. Guard me along my way and bring me to the place you have prepared for me on earth and ultimately in eternity. Help me listen to you, heed your words, and not rebel against you. Prepare a place for me where I may flourish and be a blessing to others, a place where I may turn the hearts of your enemies to you. May I worship you alone, not things or money or people or praise; but only you. Bless my food and water. May what I eat and drink not cause my body harm or disease or death. If it pleases you, may I live a full life span. Guide me to help others to know you and honor your name. Help me not to be influenced by evildoers nor become ensnared by sin, evil or your enemies. Thank you that you have a plan and a purpose for my life. I give you my insecurities and choose to trust you. Amen. 15 / FACING CHANGE GOD S PROVISION